Backpacks

Whether you’re setting off on an alpine climb, afternoon trail run, or extended thru hike, you need a pack to carry your outdoor gear and essentials while on the go.

Below you'll find our top picks for the best backpacks for hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, trail running, and more, thanks to hundreds of independent reviews by real hikers, backpackers, alpinists, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

From field-tested ultralight packs to load haulers to kid carriers to hydration packs, our reviewers have shared their real-world experience to help you select an appropriate, dependable backpack for your next outdoor adventure. Find your pack. Pack your gear. Head out.

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Recent Backpack Reviews

Deuter Fox 30

The Deuter Fox 30 is a tough pack that can easily grow with a child. Bombproof construction, customizable fitting, and a great suspension system make this a great first pack. Having a 14 1/2" torso length I used this for a Grand Canyon Kaibab Trail two-day trip and the pack carried great without a single hotspot and for most of the trip I really didn't notice the pack while carrying my gear, food, and four liters of water. The pack has a single sheet stay that works very well at transferring load… Full review

Deuter ACT Lite 65+10

Lightweight, large capacity pack that's good for a week or a weekend. First and foremost, this pack is comfortable! Deuter's Aircontact system provides great ventilation for your back and the foam padding on the hip belt and shoulder straps is very comfortable and breathable. And, at just over 4 pounds, the ACT Lite is lightweight while sacrificing nothing in quality or comfort. I also have Deuter's Aircontact 75+10 pack and have reviewed it too. While the 75+10 has multiple lash points on it's… Full review

Deuter ACT Lite 65+10

This is a great lightweight pack that is extraordinarily strong as well. Took this on a fifty miler to break it in and it performed exceptionally. Had it fitted at the shop for my son who packed it on the fifty. Hip belts and should straps were comfortable and fit well. It carried everything he needed for a five-day backpacking trek without using the additional space. Load was well distributed and everything worked in harmony. This is a great pack that is well built and durable. It worked well in… Full review

Granite Gear Virga 2

Minimalist, lightweight, quite comfortable, great for backcountry tips of one to several days and nights knowing that it is necessary to pack light. Even though this is advertised as a men's backpack, as a woman who backpacks alone, I need to carry as much as possible lightly. This pack fit my medium frame and height as well. Everything adjusts to fit, and the chest support can be adjusted to fit across correctly. I find with other men's packs, this strap hits in the wrong area, so when needed,… Full review

REI Trekker Wonderland

Best pack by far that I have ever had! All kinds of room for organizing your gear for easy access on the trail. The Wonderland is very easy to adjust for a comfortable fit, easy to adjust on the fly when the trail goes from a climb to a descent. This pack is my favorite that I have every used. Bought it brand new at the R.E.I. in Seattle over 20 years ago and it is still in like new condition even with the abuse that I have put it through. Only question I have after reading all of these reviews… Full review

Osprey Atmos 65

Excellent pack, very lightweight and comfortable. Great for weekend or PCT. I've been on 5 trips with this pack and overall was very pleased with my purchase of this pack. It is a good mix of weight, size, and construction. The area I traveled to required bear canisters and mine fit sideways into the pack no problem, which was a major plus. It has sufficient exterior pockets, and the sleeping bag compartment is good size and able to fit my down fill bag with ease! I have not tried a synthetic but… Full review

Osprey Poco Premium

Lightweight and well designed. I don't believe there are any features that they didn't incorporate to make this pack perfect for hiking with a little one. My wife and I hike all the time with our daughter and she absolutely loves riding in this pack. It's super comfortable for her and has so many pockets to store her toys and baby gear. I personally love how relaxed she can be in there which makes it easier for me to focus on my hiking. I have done several 10+ mile hikes with her on my back and… Full review

Osprey Atmos 65 AG

Overall, the pack is very comfortable. However, I am not sure the designers ever thought about anyone carrying more than 30 lbs in it or they would have NEVER made the hip belt pads lock in place with sub-standard hook-and-loop closure system. This failed on my 5th day wearing the pack, with only 40 lbs loaded in the pack. I had to shoulder 90% of the weight of my pack for a week after this, ruining my trip. I purchased this pack new and took it on a quick weekend trip with about 32 lbs in it, and… Full review

Ozark Trail 28L Atka

Handy in town on trails and for short hikes away from basecamp. It is an ultra lightweight daypack made from durable nylon fabric. Hydration-compatible, it is versatile and rugged. This backpack is ready for your next outdoor adventure. I bought this pack recently on a whim while shopping Walmart. I needed a day pack and didn't really have lots of time to search at REI for the various styles provided having only gone to one store. This daypack ended up being the cheapest after a quick perusal. Walmart… Full review

How to Choose a Backpack

Like most outdoor gear, choosing the right backpack depends on how you plan to use it and selecting one that fits you, your needs, your budget, and your gear.

Capacity (or How Big?)

Consider the following questions to help determine capacity, or how big of a pack you really need.

How long are you heading out for: a day, an overnight, a week?

What's your outdoor style? Are you a minimalist, or deeply attached to creature comforts, or somewhere in between?

How much and what gear will you bring for specific trips and activities? Don't forget group gear and seasonal items (for example: winter gear will take up more room).

Pack Sizes

Obviously you need a backpack that fits all your gear. If possible, lay it all out, including food and water, and be honest about what you'll need to fit in your pack.

Backpack sizing varies between individuals and manufacturers, but the following ranges are a basic starting point:

Day Pack:less than 2,000 cubic inchesup to 30 liters

Overnight:2,000 - 2,999 cubic inches30-50 liters

Weekend and Multi-Day:3,000 - 4,499 cubic inches50-73 liters

Week-Long and Expedition:4,500+ cubic inches74 liters and up

Pack Tip: Don't buy a backpack bigger than you need. You'll be tempted to fill it and carry more than necessary, or you'll end up with an annoying floppy, half-filled pack.

Fit (Is It Comfy?)

Types of Backpacks

DaypacksAre designed for done-in-a-day hikes, runs, skis, and (for some minimalists) the occasional overnight. Daypacks may be frameless rucksacks or incorporate a stiff frame sheet or metal stay for support.

Internal Frame BackpacksAvailable as weekend, multi-day, and expedition-sized backpacks, internal frames are popular for their adjustability, ease of movement, and balance.

External Frame BackpacksExternal frames are also available in sizes suitable for a weekend overnight to a winter camping expedition. More rigid than internal packs, externals typically carry heavy loads well.

Hydration PacksDesigned for active, endurance pursuits, hydration packs feature space for a hydration reservoir and tube for drinking on the go. Some also have space to carry gear.

Waist PacksAlso known as lumbar packs, fanny packs, and hip packs, these small packs allow you to carry a few essentials on short outings, such as gel flasks on a run or a camera on a short hike.

Child CarriersThere's no need to leave Junior behind when you hit the trail. Just load him or her into a kid carrier and head on out.

Front PacksFont packs allow you to carry gear that you want to access immediately on your chest.

Nothing beats the expertise of a knowledgeable pack fitter. Find one at your local outdoor retailer. In the meantime, here are some additional tips to help you choose a backpack that fits you well.

Torso Length

Size a backpack to your torso length. Don't assume you need the tall (or the regular or the short) model based on your height. The sizes of different manufacturers' frames may correspond to different torso lengths. Check each pack's technical specifications.

To find your torso length, have someone measure from the iliac crest at the top of your hipbone to the prominent bone at the base of your neck (the seventh cervical vertebrae). (See how to properly fit a backpack in this instructional video.)

Pack Gender

Many pack manufacturers produce women-specific or short torso versions. Women, kids, and others with short torsos can consider backpacks sized for them. On average, these fit the average woman better.

Pack Tip: Don't get stuck on a pack's gender though. Buy the one that fits you best.

Straps and Padding

Shoulder straps, which control the fit of the suspension system, should be well padded and adjustable.

An adjustable sternum strap, which connects the shoulder straps, helps bring the load weight forward and off your shoulders.

Since it supports your pack's weight, make sure the hipbelt provides adequate padding. Some pack makers offer interchangeable hipbelts in different styles and in sizes for both men and women for a better individual fit.

Load

Fitting your gear in the pack is one thing. Making sure it rides comfortably is another. What's the typical weight of your gear? Check that it matches the manufacturer's recommendation, particularly if you're opting for an ultralight pack.

During a fitting, load the pack with weight to see how well it carries. Walk around with the loaded pack, practice taking it on and off, move around, and climb up and down stairs and slopes.

How well is the pack's load distributed? Does it remain comfortable over its carrying capacity and intended uses? Does it feel stable?

Features & Organization

Consider the pack's organization. Is equipment stowed securely? Is it easy to access? Intuitive?

If you'll be carrying any specialty gear, such as ice axes, snowshoes, skis, or a snowboard, look for a pack with features or accessories designed to hold those items, rather than trying to jury-rig them on later.

Depending on your different activities you may need more than one backpack, perhaps a large internal frame pack for multi-day backpacking trips and a small daypack for day hikes.

Find the best pack for you and your activities and you'll be ready to hit the trail.